Adding Custom Code to Single Pages on Squarespace
Learning Objectives
By the end of this chapter, you'll be able to:
- Add custom scripts and meta tags to individual pages using Page Header Code Injection
- Identify when to use page-level code versus site-wide code
- Test and troubleshoot your custom code safely
- Avoid common mistakes that can break your site
Introduction
Page Header Code Injection lets you add custom code to specific pages on your Squarespace site. This feature is perfect when you need tracking pixels on a single landing page, custom meta tags for better SEO, or JavaScript that only runs on particular pages.
This chapter walks you through the process step by step, showing you how to add code safely and what to do when things go wrong.
Lessons
Finding the Page Header Code Injection Field
Here's how to access the code injection area for any page:
Step 1: Log into your Squarespace account and open your site editor.
Step 2: Navigate to the page you want to customise.
Step 3: Click the gear icon (Settings) for that page.
Step 4: Select the "Advanced" tab from the settings menu.
Step 5: Scroll down to find the "Page Header Code Injection" field.
This field connects directly to the <head> section of your chosen page, so anything you add here will load before the page content appears.
Adding Your Custom Code
Once you've found the code injection field, here's how to add your code properly:
Step 1: Copy your code from its source (Google Analytics, Facebook Pixel, custom script, etc.).
Step 2: Paste the code into the Page Header Code Injection field.
Step 3: Check that your code includes proper opening and closing tags. For example:
<script>
// Your JavaScript code here
</script>
Step 4: Click "Save" to apply your changes.
Step 5: Preview the page to confirm everything works as expected.
The code you add here will only affect this specific page, not your entire site.
Testing Your Code Before Going Live
This is the bit most people miss, but it's crucial for avoiding problems:
Step 1: Create a test page or use an existing draft page first.
Step 2: Add your code to the test page using the same process above.
Step 3: Preview the page and check that:
- The page loads correctly
- All existing functionality still works
- Your new code produces the expected result
Step 4: Use your browser's developer tools (F12) to check for any error messages.
Step 5: Only after confirming everything works should you add the code to your live page.
Common Issues and How to Fix Them
When custom code doesn't work as expected, these steps usually solve the problem:
Check your code syntax: Missing quotation marks, unclosed tags, or typos can break everything. Compare your code with the original source.
Look for conflicts: If your page stops working after adding code, the new script might conflict with existing Squarespace functionality.
Test in different browsers: Some code works in Chrome but not Safari. Test across multiple browsers before going live.
Remove and re-add: If you suspect corrupted code, delete everything from the injection field, save, then add the code again.
Here's the quick version for emergency fixes: if your page breaks, immediately delete all code from the injection field and save. This returns the page to its original state.
Practice
Try this exercise to get comfortable with the process:
- Create a new page or use a draft page for testing
- Add this simple code to the Page Header Code Injection field:
<script> console.log("Custom code working!"); </script> - Save and preview the page
- Open your browser's developer tools (F12) and check the Console tab
- You should see "Custom code working!" in the console
This confirms that your code injection is working properly.
FAQs
What's the difference between Page Header Code Injection and site-wide code injection?
Page Header Code Injection only affects the specific page you're editing. Site-wide code injection (found under Settings > Advanced > Code Injection) affects every page on your site.
Can I add multiple scripts to the same page?
Yes, you can add as many scripts as needed in the same injection field. Just make sure each script has proper opening and closing tags.
Will my custom code work on mobile devices?
Most code works across all devices, but it's worth testing on mobile to be sure. Some scripts behave differently on touch devices.
How do I know if my code is working?
This depends on what the code does. For analytics, check your dashboard. For visual changes, look at the page. For JavaScript, use browser developer tools to check the console.
What happens if I add broken code?
Broken code can prevent your page from loading properly or cause JavaScript errors. Always test on a draft page first, and remove any code that causes problems.
Jargon Buster
Custom Code: HTML, CSS, or JavaScript that you add to modify how your site looks or behaves beyond Squarespace's built-in options.
Page Header Code Injection: A Squarespace feature that lets you add custom code to the <head> section of individual pages.
Meta Tags: Code snippets that provide information about your page to search engines and social media platforms. They don't appear on the page itself.
Script: A piece of code (usually JavaScript) that adds functionality to your website, such as tracking visitors or creating interactive elements.
Developer Tools: Built-in browser features (press F12) that let you inspect code, debug problems, and test changes.
Wrap-up
You now know how to safely add custom code to individual pages on your Squarespace site. Remember to always test your code on a draft page first, and keep notes about what you've added where.
The key to success with custom code is taking it slowly and testing thoroughly. Start with simple additions and build your confidence before attempting more complex customisations.
Ready to put this into practice? Join our community of Squarespace users who are mastering custom code techniques: https://www.pixelhaze.academy/membership